Scotland, Faroe Islands and Iceland

Arctic Cruises

Starting from $5,695

Follow in the footsteps of Vikings and Gaels and explore the stunning islands of the North Atlantic. Explore the dramatic coastlines of Scotland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands and immerse yourself in the regions ancient history.

Rates & Dates Prices are per person and shown in USD.

Itinerary

Your voyage begins in Edinburgh, Scotland’s picturesque capital city. We recommend spending a few days prior to voyage departure exploring this historic city, enjoying a stroll along the ‘royal mile’, visiting Edinburgh’s famous castle or taking in views of the city with a hike up to ‘Arthur’s Seat’. This afternoon, we board our home for the next 11-nights – RCGS Resolute. Once onboard you will meet the expedition team and set sail. Following welcome drinks and dinner, we depart north, skirting the Scottish coastline.

Day 2: Dunnottar Castle, Scotland

We wake up cruising the stunning east coast of Scotland ready for our first historical destination; Dunnottar Castle - a medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland. Steeped in history, the castle was besieged by Vikings, and captured by William Wallace. For those wanting to stretch their legs, a stunning and undulating coastal path will take you 3km north to the town of Stonehaven. Here you will see a working harbor, busy with sailing yachts, home to the Stonehaven Tolbooth museum, a notable building on the quayside with a fascinating history. Also in the area, keen birders will have the opportunity to visit the spectacular cliffs which are packed with 130,000 breeding seabirds in the spring and summer.

Day 3: Kirkwall, Orkeny Islands, Scotland

Today we reach the Orkney Islands. Many are uninhabited, allowing us to truly enjoy the local wildlife, including seals, and prolific birdlife. Orkney is considered to be the best place in the UK for viewing seabirds. It is a land of breathtaking beauty and famous for its unique archaeological sites, such as the well-preserved Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae and Maeshowe, a Neolithic tomb with Viking graffiti. Interestingly, the Arctic explorer John Rae hailed from the Orkney Islands and they were also the last stop in Britain for the Franklin expedition. Dating back to Norse times, Kirkwell is the islands' largest town. Spend the day experiencing the Orkney's unique culture, heritage and traditions by visiting one of its many museums, galleries, craft workshops, and independent retailers.

Day 4: Stornoway, Hebrides, Scotland

The Scottish Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides are a diverse chain of inter-connected islands with their own unique way of life. The dramatic cliffs and large windy beaches are ideal to stroll along, breathing in the fresh Atlantic air. A highlight of our visit will be a trip to the 5000-year old Standing Stones at Callanish. Afterwards treat yourself to a dram of single malt at Abhainn Dearg Distillery sampling its famous scotch whiskey! History buffs will enjoy the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. Others may choose to spend the day strolling along the quay at Stornoway Harbor and listen to the shouts of the fishermen, as the traditional fleet land the catch of the day.

Day 5: Unst, Shetland Islands

A unique place of peace, pure air and wide-open spaces, visitors to Unst in the Shetlands savor the wildlife, the birdlife and the warm community spirit. Known as ‘the ultimate destination for those with adventure in their soul’, Unst is the northernmost of the inhabited British Isles and boasts scenic beauty, rich history, heritage and traditions. Rugged coast line and golden, empty beaches will give us the perfect playground to explore by zodiac, kayak or foot. Keen birders will rejoice with close-up views of tens of thousands of breeding gannets, guillemots, puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. Hikers of all levels will have plenty of routes to choose from, with the combination of spectacular coastal scenery, quiet inland lochs and gentle heathery hills.

Day 6: Torshavn, Faroe Islands

By morning we have arrived in the Faroe Islands - a group of 18 rocky, volcanic islands situated between Iceland and Norway. Visitors are drawn to the islands’ mountains, valleys, grassy heathland and steep coastal cliffs. We begin our time exploring in Tórshavn, on Streymoy Island, the tiny capital of the Faroe

Islands. Nearby Tinganes, home of the famous wooden turf-roofed houses also features a bustling harbor and plenty of local boutiques. Our small-group zodiac cruises will allow you to explore the narrow sounds and deep grottoes in the shadow of the 1500 feet high cliffs where thousands of seabirds nest.

Day 7: Miovagur/Mykines, Faroe Islands

Our second day of exploration in the Faroe Islands will take us to two of the Islands’ most stunning waterfalls. First stop - Sørvágsvatn, the largest lake on the islands. Dubbed “the lake over the ocean” due to an optical illusion, the lake appears to hover in mid-air. At the end of the lake is the impressive

Bøsdalafossur waterfall – which provides a great hiking excursion. Next we cruise towards the tiny village of Gasadular. Surrounded by high mountains, this photogenic village is home to the second waterfall of the day; Mulafossur Waterfall. This stunning natural wonder is best viewed by sea. We visit Mykines island which provides some of the best bird watching in the Faroe Islands. Here we find colonies of cormorants, while the cliffs make perfect nesting ledges for guillemots and razorbills. On the grassy slopes above the bird cliffs, thousands of colorful puffins can be observed at close proximity.

Day 8: Seydisfjordur, Iceland

Defined by its dramatic landscape of glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields, Iceland will give us plenty to explore over the next 5 days! We start our Icelandic saga in Seydisfjordur. A place of singing waterfalls and interesting characters, Seydisfjordur is a welcoming town with a rich history. Experience the flourishing art scene, enjoy local cuisine or experience the delightful hiking trails. One of the highlights to be sure will be a pleasant hike down ‘Waterfall lane’, winding through forests to many waterfalls rich in Icelandic vegetation. A slightly longer hike brings us to a lookout with glorious views. The Skaftfell Centre for Visual Arts provides us with a great alternative to the outdoors, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Icelandic culture.

Day 9: Hofn, Iceland

Have you ever wanted to unleash your inner Viking? Well, today you get your chance. Twisting away from the main route between Höfn and Djúpivogur, curious visitors will arrive at what appears to be a remote Viking village in pristine condition. In reality, it is a film set for an Icelandic movie that was never filmed, but you’d definitely be forgiven for mistaking it for the real thing. The Viking village is located close to the town of Höfn, a traditional Icelandic fishing town near Horanfjordur fjord, one of the many spectacular fjords on the island. Hofn also offers scenic views of Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe covering 8% of the island’s land mass, and the perfect place to spend the day exploring the national park.

Day 10: Reynisdrangar, Iceland

We continue our journey around Iceland’s stunning south coast heading towards Vik. Just east of the outskirts of the village lies one of Europe's biggest Artic tern breeding grounds. A short hike within the close vicinity of Vik is sure to satisfy all serious nature lovers and bird watchers. To the south of Reynisfjall mountain a spectacular set of rock columns, called Reynisdrangar rise majestically out of the Atlantic Ocean. These towering, spiky rock formations jut out from the ocean 66 meters (217 ft) into the air. Teeming with nesting Arctic terns, fulmars and puffins, folk legend says there were two trolls pulling a three-mast ship to the shore unsuccessfully, but were caught by the sunlight at dawn and turned into stone (as happens to trolls when they stay out until dawn). Our approach by sea will give a unique perspective and the chance to view this spectacular landmark in small groups, perfect for bird viewing and exploring through your lens. With close to 20 hours of daylight, opportunities are endless to learn hints and tips from our photographer-in-residence.

Day 11: Heimaey, Westmann Islands

Leaving the shores of the mainland, we journey into the North Atlantic to the tiny, but beautiful, Westman Islands. Rich in volcanic history and known as a ‘modern Nordic Pompeii’, Heimaey’s once-solitary volcano, Helgafell (or “Holy Mountain”) created the island in an eruption 7,000 years ago. In 1973 it erupted again and fortunately, Heimaey’s entire fishing fleet was moored in the harbor for the night and carried everyone to safety. The force of Helgafell’s eruption added a new volcano to Heimaey’s skyline - Eldfell, (or the “mountain of fire”.) Learn more about this unique destination with a visit to one of the town’s fascinating museums. The seabird life in the Westman Islands is abundant and we are on the lookout for whales and seals. One major highlight remains - a visit to Storhofoi, the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world. This evening we celebrate this exceptional journey at a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.

Day 12: Reykjavik, Iceland

Our expedition concludes in the world’s most northerly capital - the colorful and quirky city of Reykjavik. Why not stay a few days to explore the city and surroundings? A transfer is provided to a downtown location or to the airport for your onward journey.

Adventure Options

Kayaking: $695

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of expedition cruising, itineraries are subject to change due to weather, ice conditions, natural and cultural events, wildlife viewing opportunities and other logistical considerations. In general, a ship's crew will endeavor to complete the itinerary provided, but the ultimate decision lies with the ship's captain and expedition leaders.